NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has dismissed reports linking Kenya to a global alert on methanol poisoning, assuring the public that all methanol in circulation within the country is strictly for industrial use and unfit for human consumption.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KEBS sought to allay fears after the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) expanded its methanol poisoning advisory to include Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and Russia.
The UK advisory followed rising cases of deaths and illness abroad caused by counterfeit alcoholic drinks containing toxic methanol.
“The attention of the Kenya Bureau of Standards has been drawn to media reports on a directive that includes Kenya in a list of eight countries with the risk of methanol poisoning,” KEBS said.
“We wish to assure Kenyans that methanol circulating in Kenya is for industrial use only and is not meant for human consumption.”
The Bureau explained that all methanol imported or produced locally is denatured using denatonium benzoate, described as the world’s bitterest chemical compound, making it impossible to drink even in small quantities.
“All methanol in the country is denatured by adding denatonium benzoate,” KEBS said. “This process ensures that methanol cannot be mistaken for alcoholic beverages or misused for consumption.”
The agency clarified that methanol must meet strict national standards before being approved for use. These standards include:
- KS 2471:2013 – Methanol for industrial use – specifications
- KS 2582-1:2014 – Safety of chemical products – code of practice – part 1: safety of methanol
- KS 2583:2014 – Denatonium benzoate in alcohols – test method
- KS 2584:2018 – Transport of dangerous goods – operational requirements for road vehicles
KEBS cited Section 4.1 of KS 2582-1:2014, which stipulates that “all grades of methanol, except those for laboratory use, shall be denatured with denatonium benzoate to prevent oral intake by vulnerable consumers.”
According to KEBS, all methanol must undergo compliance checks and certification before being cleared for sale or use. “The above standards are used in issuing product certification marks of quality to methanol as well as checking compliance before methanol is approved for intended use,” the statement read.
The Bureau added that routine monitoring and testing are conducted to prevent diversion or misuse. “When tested in accordance with KS 2583, all grades of methanol, except those for laboratory use, shall contain denatonium benzoate denaturant,” KEBS said.
KEBS emphasized that denatured methanol is subjected to continuous surveillance to ensure safety and traceability. “Denatonium benzoate is the bitterest chemical compound known and cannot be swallowed due to its extreme bitterness, even in small quantities,” the agency noted.
The Bureau reiterated that Kenya’s methanol supply chain is fully regulated, and no methanol approved by KEBS is used in the manufacture of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.
“KEBS continues to monitor compliance to safeguard consumers and protect lives. All methanol certified by KEBS meets the required safety standards and poses no risk to public health,” the statement concluded.
On October 21, the UK’s FCDO updated its travel advisory to warn British nationals about the dangers of counterfeit alcoholic drinks in eight countries, including Kenya. “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expanded methanol poisoning warnings to cover eight additional countries visited by Brits where incidents have been recorded,” the department said.
The advisory followed consultations with Parliamentarians, industry experts, and affected individuals abroad.
While the UK warning was precautionary, Kenyan authorities have moved quickly to assure the public that the country’s methanol safety protocols are robust, and there is no evidence of contamination or misuse within the local market.
